Chevrolet goes bold with new Silverado HD

CHEVROLET has lifted the lid on its new-generation Silverado heavy-duty pick-up truck, ushering in a bold new design, more interior space and a pair of new powertrains.

 

The Silverado HD follows the 1500 that was revealed at this year’s Detroit motor show in January, however the GM-owned brand insists that the only panel shared between the HD and the 1500 is the roof.

 

The big truck is sold in Australia through Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), which converts the 2500 and 3500 HD to right-hand drive at its purpose-built facility in Clayton in Melbourne’s south-east.

 

As reported by GoAuto, Chevrolet will discontinue production of the outgoing Silverado HD in the second half of 2019, which will eventually prompt HSV to make the switch to the new-gen truck.

 

It is unclear when the all-new version will hit Australian HSV showrooms, with the company teelling GoAuto that it does not comment on future products.

 

As previously reported, HSV has no plans to convert the 1500 light duty to right-hand drive for Australia.

 

The HD’s design separates it from its smaller 1500 light-duty sibling, with its aggressive fascia that features split vertical headlights surrounding the massive split grille.

 

Typical American truck design flourishes are evident, including the enormous wheelarches and wheels, huge exterior mirrors, chunky front and rear bumpers – with lots of chrome – a bonnet scoop and the big tub in the back.

 

Chevrolet lead exterior designer for Silverado HD Brian Izard said the company wanted the new model to look like a piece of heavy machinery.

 

“We set out to make a statement with the 2020 Silverado HD and wanted to visually capture the power and capability of the truck,” he said. “The result is a truck that looks like a piece of heavy machinery with modern, chiselled finishes and customer-focused details.”

 

While Chevy is yet to reveal full details of the new truck, it will have about 7.6cm more legroom for crew-cab variants as well as a “taller, more comfortable” seating position.

 

Two new powertrains will be on offer, including a direct-injection petrol engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission – but Chevy isn’t talking numbers just yet.

 

It will also come with a Duramax V8 turbo diesel that outputs 1234Nm – the same as the existing 6.6-litre unit – paired with an all-new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.

 

Chevrolet hasn’t revealed the figures, but it says the new HD will feature “significant increases” in towing and payload capabilities, as well as more tech features “designed specifically for heavy-duty truck customers”.

 

More details on the Chevrolet Silverado HD are likely to come to light at its official reveal, which is expected to be at next year’s Chicago motor show in February.

 

HSV confirmed pricing of the current 3500 HD back in October, with the big hauler starting at $147,990 plus on-road costs.

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